TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR A CONSULTANCY TO PROVIDE MEL SUPPORT SERVICES

HIH EA is seeking a consultant to analyse the current MEL system and MEL capacity within the organization. In addition the consultant will be required to help set up the MEL components that will be found lacking or having gaps within the organization. The specific scope of work will entail and not limited to the following.

Key Responsibilities and deliverables

• Conduct a capacity assessment of the HiH EA MEL team
• Design and conduct capacity building training of the MEL team, focusing on statistics and data analysis as well as other needs identified in the capacity assessment
• Provide input on the HiH EA MEL system, outlining ways of working that can lead to efficiency gains and match sector best practice
• Support the Acting Head of MEL in terms of working on project MEL deliverables (ITTs, evaluations etc.) as needed
• Quality assure strategic MEL outputs (internal and external) including project monitoring tools, baselines, evaluations, and other assessments
• Support the HiH EA MEL team to develop frameworks for stakeholder mapping/analysis.
• Train the MEL team on outcome harvesting/mapping approaches and help develop tools for the same.
• Provide support and frameworks for MEL around Policy Advocacy Agroecological (with emphasis to Regenerative Agriculture & Circular Economies) programmes
• Asses and help strengthen the level of knowledge management in the organization regarding MEL resources and products with reference to the following:
  • Internal – to what extend does the MEL function facilitate internal learning and what gaps and opportunities do exist.
  • External – to what extent the organization facilitates external learning. This may entail and not limited to; publication of reports, learning materials, case studies, thematic approaches and strategies etc. The successful consultant will help to set up a framework or direction on how this opportunity can be exploited.
  • Support enhancement of continuous learning/reflection and feedback loops, as well as documentation.
  • Communication for MEL as well as Knowledge sharing.

Skills & Capacities

• Demonstrated track record of working on multiple large and small MEL projects
• Proven track record of MEL systems design, including organisational structure, data collection/analysis processes
• Excellent knowledge of statistics and data analysis, especially in the context of evaluations and quantitative research
• Previous experience of high quality progress reporting, project mid-term review and final evaluations, including quality assuring inputs from external consultants
• Extensive previous experience of MEL skills capacity building and learning needs assessments
• Previous experience of setting up or improving knowledge management systems and processes
• Highly comfortable using relevant MEL software (Kobo, Excel, SPSS etc.)
• Strong experience of applying quantitative and qualitative research evaluation techniques and methodologies
• Experience in the development and revision of the project log frame matrix, particularly in the areas of performance indicators and their measurement
• Proven track record in the development and/or finalization of project work plans and keeping these updated in accordance with project activities and timeframes as relevant

Extensive experience in procurement processes in Kenya, and preferably Tanzania, is an advantage but not a requirement.